Situated by the side of the Tissa Wewa, Isurumuniya Viharaya is world famous for its remarkable stone carvings including the Isurumuniya Lovers.
Isurumuniya Viharaya Isurumuniya Viharaya (Sinhala: ඉසුරුමුණිය; Tamil: இசுருமுனிய) Isurumuni Viharaya, Isurumuniya Vihara is a Buddhist temple situated by the side of the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. The temple is widely popular for its remarkable stone carvings such as Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond, the Royal Family, and the Man and Horsehead. History Ancient Meghagiri or Meygiri Viharaya in Mahameghavana is presently called Isurumuniya (Nicholas, 1963; Paranavitana, 1953). Situated between the Dakkhina Stupa and the eastern gate of Magul Uyana (Royal Pleasure Garden), this temple is said to be the first repository of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Nicholas, 1963; Paranavitana, 1953).
Some information found in the Sinhalese glossary Mahabodhivamsa has helped in the identification of this site. It mentions that there is a bathing pond belonging to a Met-giri-vehera between the Dakkhina Thupa and a path leading from the eastern gate of the Royal Pleasure Garden. The name Met-giri, accor…
